Course Descriptions

Core Nursing Courses

Twelve credits provide core knowledge essential to advanced nursing practice. The courses are taken by students in all programs of study of e.g., Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Adult Nurse Practitioner.

NURS 501 ADVANCED NURSING THEORY
This core course critiques selected nursing theories and health related concepts involved in advanced nursing practice. These theories and concepts are derived from the social sciences, psychology, and family and humanistic literature. Concept development will be analyzed in relation to specific areas of students’ interests. (3 credits)3-hour lecture
Pre- or Co-requisites: Undergraduate courses in nursing research and elementary statistics.

NURS 502 ADVANCED NURSING RESEARCH
Quantitative and qualitative research are examined and evaluated. A major component of this course is the development of a research proposal. (3 credits)3-hour lecture
Prerequisite: NURS 501

NURS 504 DYNAMICS OF NURSING LEADERSHIP
This course is an in-depth study of leadership theories and issues in managed health care. The history of nursing, its culture, and current social, political, and legislative trends are studied for their implications in nursing leadership. Students apply concepts from selected theories in the development of a philosophy of leadership. (3 credits)3-hour lecture
Pre- or Co-requisite: NURS 501

NURS 505 ETHICAL AND POLICY ISSUES IN HEALTH CARE
This course provides an in-depth study of major ethical issues affecting the nursing care of individuals, families, and communities. Ethical frameworks are analyzed for decision-making in relation to selected nursing theories, standards of nursing care, and health care policies. Relationships between ethical decision-making and the implementation of professional practice are explored. (3 credits)3-hour lecture
Pre- or Co-requisite: NURS 501

Support Courses

NURS 530 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
This is the second of two courses designed to investigate concepts and processes related to the health care of children, adults and the elderly. Common path physiologic processes are discussed in conjunction with recent research. Pathophysiology is examined for its use in implementing a nursing plan of care at the advanced practice level. This course focuses on disease processes encountered in the primary care setting (3 credits).

NURS 531 ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT/PRACTICUM Emphasis is on theory and practice in biobehavioral and psychobehavioral assessment strategies essential for case management of the adult seeking primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Skill development includes obtaining and recording a comprehensive database and demonstrates advanced clinical judgment in the assessment of individuals. Preceptor experiences assist the student in synthesizing the components of the health history and physical assessment. (3 credits)2-hour lecture followed by 2-hour lab per week plus 75 practicum hours
Prerequisites: Undergraduate health assessment course, successful completion of the Health
Assessment Placement Examination

NURS 532 ADVANCED PHARMACOPHYSIOLOGY The principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of major drug groups are examined. Emphasis is placed on the application of drug therapy in the management of common health problems in adults and aged. Legal consideration for prescription writing will be incorporated. (3 credits)3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: Completion of Nursing Core Courses

Family Nurse Practitioner Courses

NURS 600 CONTINUOUS CLINICAL PRACTICUM
Nurse Practitioners must register for the course in order to fulfill 600 clinical hours required for graduation. The students will continue to refine their skills in comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and nursing management of health care. Clinical sites may include an ambulatory facility, community health center, acute care and/or a long term facility that provides care in the specialty care of interest. (0 credits)A clinical fee will be charged upon registration

NURS 650 ADVANCED PRACTICE THEORY I This course will explore the diagnosis and nursing management of frequently occurring common health problems manifested in primary care. Emphasis will be given to episodic conditions that affect the skin, the eye, nose and throat, and the respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems, as well as affective disorders common in young, middle-aged, and older adults. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies essential in providing holistic primary care to adult populations from undeserved areas will be addressed. (3 credits)3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: Core nursing courses, NURS 530, 531, 532
Co-requisite: NURS 651

NURS 651 ADVANCED PRACTICUM/SEMINAR I This course will emphasize implementation of theory-based nursing management strategies to promote, restore, and maintain health in young, middle age, and older adults. In a variety of ambulatory settings, the student will implement comprehensive skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of wellness and common health problems. The seminar will focus on the collaborative role of the nurse practitioner in providing care to patients. (3 credits)1-hour seminar per week plus 150 practicum hours
Prerequisites: Core Nursing courses, NURS 530, 531, 532
Co-requisite: NURS 650

NURS 652 ADVANCED PRACTICE THEORY IIThis course will explore the management of chronicity in the adult population. Exacerbations of chronic conditions with multisystem alterations will be discussed. Emphasis will be given to the chronic illnesses that affect the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems. Teaching strategies essential in coordinating care for adult individuals within the context of the family will be addressed (3 credits).3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 650, 651
Co-requisite: NURS 653

NURS 653 ADVANCED PRACTICUM/SEMINAR IIThis course will implement theory-based management strategies to treat chronic health problems. In a variety of clinical settings or in specialty clinics, the student will implement strategies which support clients and their caregivers. The seminar will focus on the relevance and competence of the nurse practitioner in providing primary care. (3 credits)1-hour seminar per week plus 150 practicum hours
Prerequisites: NURS 650, 651
Co-requisite: NURS 652

NURS 656 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER THEORY IIIThis course will explore the diagnosis and management if episodic, chronic, and developmental alterations of women and children. Strategies essential to the treatment and coordination of care of the pediatric population will be addressed. Further issues affecting families will be explored. This course is for FNP students only. (3 credits)3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 652, 653
Co-requisite: NURS 657

NURS 657 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PRACTICUM/SEMINAR III This course will emphasize implementation of theory-based managed strategies for women and children with episodic, developmental, and chronic health problems. In a variety of clinical settings, the student will implement management, preventive, and health-promoting strategies, which support clients, families, the community, and their care-givers. The seminar will focus on issues pertaining to the client population. This course is for FNP students only. (3 credits)1-hour seminar per week plus 60 practicum hours in pediatrics and 60 practicum hours in women’s health
Prerequisites: NURS 652, 653
Co-requisite: NURS 656

Nursing Administration Courses

NURS 609 NURSING ADMINISTRATION THEORY I
This course focuses on the advanced study of business and nursing theories and research, which direct, organize, and facilitate the delivery of nursing care, within the role of the nursing administrator. The Nurse Administrator at all levels of the organizations acts as educator, nurse advocate, client of others and collaborator within health care organizations. Students evaluate current models of the nursing care delivery. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: Core nursing courses (12 credits) and Core business courses (9 credits)
Co-requisites: NURS 610

NURS 610 NURSING ADMINISTRATION: ADVANCED PRACTICUM/SEMINAR This practicum and seminar focuses on the implementation of business, nursing and research that direct, organize, and facilitate the delivery of nursing care. Students observe, analyze, and participate in the role of the nurse administrator in a designated health care delivery system. Students participate in the implementation and evaluation of current methods of nursing care delivery.

Students are required to complete 150 hours in a clinical placement with a Master’s or above prepared nurse. The goal of this placement is for the student to observe and engage in administrative/management activities. The student will also plan and complete a project that assists the facility in resolving an issue. (3 credits)1-hour seminar per week plus 150 practicum hours
Co-requisites: NURS 609

NURS 611 NURSING ADMINISTRATION THEORY II This is the second cognate course required for the nurse administrator role. This course is designed on the ANA Nursing Administration Scope and Standards for Nurse Executives. The content continues describing the basic principles and methodologies of business, nursing and research which currently impact the delivery of nursing care. Students learn to optimize the effectiveness of organizations in achieving optimal patient outcomes. Students implement the role of the nurse administrator as consultant and change agent within health care organizations. (3 credits)Prerequisites: NURS 609, 610
Co-requisite: NURS 612

NURS 612 ADVANCED PRACTICUM/SEMINAR II This seminar and practicum focuses on advanced study of business and nursing theories and research which evaluate the delivery of nursing care. Students explore concepts involved in organizing work and optimizing the effectiveness of organizations. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse administrator as a consultant and change agent within health care organizations. The role of regulatory agencies in the delivery of nursing care is explored. (3 credits).The student must complete 150 clinical hours
Prerequisites: NURS 609, 610
Co-requisite: NURS 611

Support Administration Courses

NURS 550/MBA 651 FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATIONThis course examines behavioral issues in health care organizations to develop an understanding for working with people individually, in groups, and as members of larger organizations. The course also reviews theories and research in the area of effective management, in order to develop a base of understanding for managerial practice and organizational leadership. (3 credits)

NURS 551/MBA 652 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND BUDGETARY CONTROL An analysis of the “financial health” of the health care system and the provision of health care services within that system. An introduction to the management of a health care facility’s finances, including the operation of its financial accounting system. Evaluation of the organization’s financial situation using financial techniques and financial statements, cash management, credit analysis, capital structure and capital budgeting, funds management, and financial control. (3 credits)Prerequisite: Basic course in accounting/finance recommended.

NURS 552/MBA 653 LAW FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
This course reviews the American legal system, including its courts, its statutes, and its common law, in order to provide the health care manager with a basic understanding of the number of significant ways in which legal mandates apply to one’s situation. A number of different areas of law will be studied, each selected for its influence on the management of health care institutions and health care providers. Legal cases will be examined, including significant court opinions, in order to bring students to a basic understanding of the manner in which their actions will be judged by our country’s legal systems. The course will explore the nature of medical malpractice and the effect of medical error on the provision of health care services. (3 credits)

Nurse Educator Courses

NURS 661 THEORIES OF LEARNING
This course is an introduction to the major theories of the adult learner. The theories that will be addressed are adult learning theory, cognitive developmental theory, social cognitive theory and role modeling, assimilation theory, experiential learning theory, and critical thinking. Throughout the course the theories will be viewed from the perspective of how persons think and learn, the needs of the learner, cultural influences on thinking and learning styles and how learning is facilitated. (2 credits)2-hour lecture

NURS 662 THE TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS This course is designed to provide an overview of the teaching learning process with a focus on teaching culturally diverse students. The teaching learning process includes assessment of the learner, development of learning objectives/outcomes, teaching strategies, and methods to evaluate learning. (3 credits)3-hour lecture
Pre- or Co-requisites: NURS 662

NURS 664 CURRICULUM AND COURSE DEVELOPMENT This course addresses curriculum and course development in the context of meeting the health care needs of society and professional nursing education standards. Topics include accreditation organizations and standards, competency-based learning, and course and curriculum development. (2 credits)2-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 661, 662, 663
Co-requisite: NURS 665

NURS 665 THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO TEACH This course focuses on the use of selected computer technology to enhance learning and critical thinking. (2 credits)1-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 661, 662

NURS 721 TEACHING PRACTICUM FOR THE NURSE EDUCATOR This course is designed to promote socialization and transition of the student to the nurse educator role. Students will work with nurse educator preceptors to explore the various roles of the nurse educator including teacher, mentor, collaborator, and scholar. Learning experiences will be provided both in the classroom and clinical settings. Seminar sessions will focus on relevant topics to the various nurse educator roles. (3 credits)1-hour seminar per week plus 120 practicum hours
Prerequisites: NURS 661, 661, 664, 665

Master’s Project Component

NURS 700 MASTER’S PROJECT ADVISEMENT
This synthesis course is designed to refine and implement a Master’s Degree project. The project is based on a specific area of interest that has been identified in previous graduate courses. Students may complete research (qualitative or quantitative), teaching or other projects
that are consistent with the terminal objectives of the program. Students’ support and guidance for the duration of their project. (1-3 credits)Students must complete 3 credits of Master’s Project Advisement

NURS 701 CONTINUOUS MASTER’S PROJECT ADVISEMENT This course is designed to provide students with continuous advisement in the event that the student has not completed the Master’s Project within three semesters (or three credit hours). This course does not carry credit, however, will be billed to the student in the amount equivalent to one credit (0 credits).